Rule #28 - always shake out you clothes before putting on

This was in my laundry. Lauren screamed, I screamed like a little girl and Fanny came in and killed it. And then informed us there are some 3xs that big....yikes.

Out with the Old, In with the Clean

Monday and Tuesday has been filled with cleaning cleaning cleaning. We have been washing windows, floors, rooms - everything and anything. It is now Tues evening, and I am happy to report that everything is nice and clean, all the laundry is done and put away....ahhh, what a great way to end the day.

Tomorrow our goal is to clean the kitchen down in the big building before we go to San Jose to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Will he make it?

This guy had a camera on his helmet the whole bull run. At one point his plan was to jump the bull. You'll have to watch to see the ending.

Bull Run

Just a taste of the 4hrs we experienced. Could you fall asleep during this?

Bull Run

For 2 weeks in Dec there is a big fair in San Jose with games, rides, etc. And the main event is the bull arena. The bull does not get injuried in any way. It's just a bunch of men running around the arena. It was part of experiencing the culture. They handed out flashing bull horns for everyone to wear. It started at 9pm and lasted until after midnight. I fell asleep several times, much to everyone's surprise. Hey, I was tired.

Evita

Friday brought a visit from our friend Eva and her latest addition, Adreas. It was so good to see them and catch up. She sends her love and greetings to everyone.

Handing out the gifts

Yep, that is Fanny being carted away by her younger brother Oscar. Maybe this was his way of thanking her for the gift? It was great.

Feliz Navidad!

We celebrated Christmas with Fanny's family. It was so priceless to be with them. They warmly invited us into their home and hearts.

I'm not saying it wasn't a tough bunch - anything laying around got wrapped and put under the tree - cameras, wallets, car keys, etc. If you didn't hold on to your things, chances are someone was going to open it later. Very funny.

The one pic is Fanny's family (minus 2 sisters (mexico and georgia)). Her mom twirling with her new jacket. And I think the brothers were very excited for the coffee pot that was given to Fanny's dad.

Over the river and through the woods to Tita house we go..

On the way to San Jose to Fanny's family. Are you sure it's Christmas?

Christmas Eve

Here in Costa Rica, there are not Christmas Eve services at church. And their big day for celebrating with family is the 24th. The 25th is usually just staying at home. Families from church and kids from unbelieving homes, came to eat supper with us. Folks started coming around 8pm and we ate around 9pm. Followed by a devotion by Marco. Game playing and pie eating. It was a great evening - a late one for a morning person, but

a great evening.

Christmas Tradition

This is the season for tamalis. People will make these by the pots full and then call friends over to share....right place at the right time for me and Lauren. We got to experience this tradition. Delish. Chicken, pork, beef....delish. Cornmeal is on the bottom and then it's peas, onions, peppers, carrots, meat, seasonings wrapped in banana leaves. They are individually tied close and then boiled. mmm, mmm good.

Who gave me a sunburn for Christmas?

So my goal was to be like Jeremy. And I kept asking - Do I look like Jeremy yet or the pig? (Fanny painted this pig). I'll let you be the judge on who I favor. And I was only out for 1 hour in the morning. Ouch.

Jeremy made the balloon hat - he makes these, etc when they go into the school for evangelism.

Christmas Eve's Eve

Are you really sure it's Christmas? Lauren, Jeremy and I went swimming around 6 pm....I believe some of you were caroling and freezing your toes and noses.

Kids Club

Saturday was Kids Club. Since it's school (summer) breaks for the kids here and with the holidays, it was not very full. But it was still a good time of fellowship and devotional with the kids.

Soccer Time

What would a trip to Latin America be without soccer? It wouldn't. First we started on the TV and then we moved to the big screen (TV projector). Oh, what a night. Total side note, Fanny's Dad painted the house purple and white after his favorite team - plus purple car!

And to end a perfect meal of burgers - oranges right off the tree. Who doesn't have a machete under their chair for just such a reason. ps - DON'T eat the white stuff (rind) - i don't know why everyone makes me learn everything the hard way.

Monkey sightings

This is one of mine and Lauren's favorite things to do -sit and watch the monkeys from Marco and Fanny's porch. They are great fun to watch - but I am telling you, when you are trying to sleep and they are howling in your window, they are not so cute!

First night here, we forgot to warn Lauren of their noise, to which she was 'surprised'. The second night, she just wanted them to shut up. No such luck.

Only is Costa Rica

On the way back from delivering pamplets, we stopped for lunch. At first, it seems like an open air Burger King. Upon further review, this Burger King is on wheels. Takes 'To Go' to a whole new meaning.

Camp Sign Ups

Word of Life (WOL) camp season also means camp sign ups. The San Jose team has been walking all around town inviting kids to camp. We drove to nearby (hourish away) churchs to invite kids and give pamphlets for community kids.

The one church was having their VBS...we pulled up Marco got out of the car - the person in front stopped what he was doing and announces Marco! It's like being with the mayor. Being ready at all times for anything is necessary.

Camp Games

We really have been busy doing different little jobs for getting ready for camp. Here Lauren is trying out the latest invention of Marco's and Mucho's...they don't like my name of 'The Ball of Death'. Instead they are going to play human bowling.

This year they will also have paint ball games. Lauren and I counted out bags of 50 balls. We eagerly started with this job because we both thought it was bags of candy!!!! That could have been really really bad.

A pictures worth a 1,000 words

I'm not going to go into detail. In my defense, I have a history of gardia from Nepal, Dr. Kimchi took out my gallbladder, h pylori, stomach ulcer, crazy different food from all around the world....i'm so thankful that Marco didn't make me embarrassed.

Maintenance Marco

Marco getting the grounds ready for camp.

Family Participation

I'm not sure how it happened exactly....but somehow I got roped into playing at church. I don't think they we ask me to do that next week.

Jeremy runs the sound. Marco and Fanny led the singing. Coto was the 'guest' preacher. After the service, the whole church had a lovely Christmas picnic - including a soccer game and pool time.

Christmas Prep (turn up your computer speakers)

The past few days have been filled with baking and prep for Christmas. Fanny had an idea for the box decoration - to use a woody flower that is found on trees...so what do we do? Drive through town until we spot branches low enough for us to chop down. In the one pic - it's the pharmacist using a machete to cut down a branch...only Fanny could get a pharmacist to do that for her.

Those monkeys were right outside the house howling to us for cookies. And that was the sunset we ended the day with.

Are you really sure it is Christmas this week? It just doesn't feel like it.

PS - only one tray of cookies fit at a time - 1 tray....do you know how long it takes to bake 1 tray at a time....it was a great hot 2 days.

PPS - thanks for the craft ideas Bep, they were a hit.

Oh my! They like me, they really like me.

I was so surprised and thrilled to have a package waiting for me from my work peeps when we arrived in Las Juntas. Christmas and b-day gifts and goodies...the box was overflowing. Shuey pretzels even made it in the box!

What a treat. So much fun stuff. So thoughtful and kind. Thank you thank you thank you.